About us
The syllabus is laid down and governed by the Shukokai Karate Union (SKU), which is part of WUKF.The syllabus follows the traditional principals of karate with a particular emphasis on technique.
In addition to learning to punch, block, kick and strike we cover a variety of other defences against attack such as strangulation, attacks with weapons etc. Dan is qualified and an experienced instructor of self-defence.
Finally, in addition to the "serious" side of karate we have an active social calendar with annual association ski trips to Italy, and summer training sessions in resorts abroard organised by the SKU.
A Brief History of Karate
Karate was developed at Shuri the capital of Okinawa mid way between the southern tip of Japan and mainland China.
Because of its geographical position Okinawa has had a long history of conflict being ruled at different times by both China and Japan.
Originally the principal "fighting art" was White Crane, a Chinese martial art started by Chi-Niang Fang and developed by the Shaolin monks which spread rapidly through South East Asia.
There are many theories how this spread and developed prior to the mid 19th century however it is around then that "modern" karate was born.
Two principal styles of karate developed in Okinawa during this period, Shuri-te or "hard" style karate and Naha-te or "soft" karate.
One of its earliest masters was Yastsune Itosu, amongst his principal students were Gichin Funakoshi who went on to found the Shotokan style and Kenwa Mabuni who founded the Shito-ryu style from which Shukokai is directly descended.
